JM’s family still in the dark 36 years on

By Karanja Njoroge

The family of the late popular politician Josiah Mwangi Kariuki is still waiting for justice and answers 36 years after the late Nyandarua North MP was executed.

Speaking during a memorial held at JM Kariuki Memorial School in Bahati, Nakuru, yesterday, the family said it still hopes those who killed him would be brought to book.

"We are still waiting for justice as we are still yet to know who killed him," said one of his widows, Doris Nyambura.

The Family of the late JM Kariuki led by his two widows Esther Mwikali (right) and Doris Nyambura (second right) receive a commemorative tree from JM Kariuki Secondary school principal Susan Mundia (second left) during the 36th anniversary, held in Bahati, Nakuru. [PHOTO: BONIFACE THUKU/STANDARD]

Former Nakuru Town MP Mark Mwithaga, who was the Vice Chairman of a Parliamentary Committee formed to investigate the murder, disputed the common perception that JM was an enemy of the founding president Jomo Kenyatta.

"JM and Kenyatta may not have been enemies but history has been distorted to create the impression that they were," Mwithaga said.

He said JM’s death might have been linked to the Kenyatta succession politics and the British Government.

"JM was a patriot, a defender of the common man, and his spirit will continue inspiring many people even in his death," Mwithaga said.

JM’s widow Esther Mwikali, acting Chairperson of the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission Tecla Namachanja, Chief Executive Officer Patricia Nyaundi, and former Subukia legislator Koigi wa Wamwere were among those in attendance at the memorial service.

Namachanja said the Commission would work with the family to ensure the circumstances surrounding his murder and those responsible are brought to light.

She urged those with information on the incident to come to the commission and state what they know.

JM was last seen alive at the Hilton Hotel on March 2, 1975. Several days later his remains were found in a thicket in Ngong Hills with fingers chopped off and eyes gouged out.